Position Overview

• This is an open and continuous recruitment which will remain open for a minimum of seven (7) calendar days and close without notice once a sufficient pool of highly-qualified candidates has been created.

• Experience working in an ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited Laboratory
• Experience determining proper scientific testing techniques and performing chemical, instrumental, microscopic, chromatographic, and comparative laboratory tests on suspected controlled substances and illicit drugs
• Experience isolating and separating analytes (qualitatively) from various matrices, including solid dose samples
• Knowledge and experience in preparing and validating standards
• Experience with Liquid Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer (LC/MS), Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer (GC/MS) instruments, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)
• Knowledge of controlled substances and seized drugs
• Courtroom testimony experience

• Henderson Forensic Laboratory is an ISO/ICE 17025:2017 Accredited Laboratory
• A new state-of-the-art Forensic Laboratory Facility is scheduled to be opened by the summer of 2024
• Each scientist in our Laboratory is Board Certified in their respective disciplines
• Henderson is ranked the 2nd safest large City in the United States

• Competitive Salary Range; salary placement for non-represented positions is based on a comprehensive compensation review and takes into consideration the candidate's qualifications as well as internal equity. The successful candidate may start above the bottom of the salary range.
• Base Wage increase upon successful completion of Initial Probationary or Qualifying Period**
• Pay for Performance Base Wage Increase or Lump Sum Bonus**
• **Contingent upon the City’s financial performance and subject to available funding as determined by the City
• Work-Life Balance
  • Four (4)-Day, 38 hour workweek (Monday to Thursday)
• Paid Leave and Holidays
  • Leave and Holidays Policy
  • Family and Medical Leave and Extended Leave Policy
• Comprehensive benefits package*** for all full-time, regular non-represented employees including:
  • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
  • Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Long Term Disability (LTD)
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Policy
  • Retirement Benefits
    • Nevada PERS (Public Employees' Retirement System)
    • Retirement Health Savings (RHS) Account
    • Deferred Compensation - 457(b) and 401(a) Plans
  • Voluntary Benefits: Pet Insurance, Auto/Home Insurance, Voluntary Life Insurance, SSgA Upromise 529 College Savings Plan
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PLSF) through the Federal Government
  • Tuition and Certification Reimbursement Program, and much more!
  • ***

• Candidates considering the Forensic Scientist position may be qualified for the Forensic Scientist I, or Forensic Scientist II position. The position offered to the successful candidate will be based on the individual's education, experience, and skill level.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications for Forensic Scientist I (Salary Range: $36.26 to $54.38):
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a natural or applied science.
  • Three (3) years of full-time professional work experience related to a particular laboratory discipline, as a forensic scientist or equivalent, in a forensic laboratory conducting scientific laboratory analyses.
  • Must pass a nationwide fingerprint-based record check, and a wants/warrants check.
  • Must complete Security Awareness and National Crime Information Center (NCIC)/Nevada Criminal Justice Information System (NCJIS) certification within six months of hire/transfer and be recertified every two years. Must maintain certifications in NCIC/NCJIS as a condition of continued employment.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid Nevada or "border state" driver's license, as defined by NRS 483.

• 
  Minimum Qualifications for Forensic Scientist II (Salary Range: $39.77 to $59.66):
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with science courses.
  • Six (6) years of full-time professional work experience related to the particular laboratory discipline, as a forensic scientist or equivalent, in a forensic laboratory conducting scientific laboratory analyses.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid Nevada or “border state” driver’s license, as defined by NRS 483.
  • Must pass a nationwide fingerprint-based record check, and a wants/warrants check.
  • Must complete Security Awareness and National Crime Information Center (NCIC)/Nevada Criminal Justice Information System (NCJIS) certification within six months of hire/transfer and be recertified every two years. Must maintain certifications in NCIC/NCJIS as a condition of continued employment.
  • Controlled Substances, Toxicology, or Trace Evidence/ Trace Chemistry-Flammables, and Biology/DNA disciplines: Must be certified in one of the following areas within three years of employment or promotion to this position:
    • Certified Diplomate, Fellow, or Technical Specialist from the American Board of Criminalists
    • Certified Diplomate or Certified Fellow from the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT)
    • Certification(s) in drug chemistry or toxicology from other recognized and accepted forensic certifying organizations
  • Desirable: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a natural or physical science or a forensic science-related field

Required Documents/Assessment Information

• The Scored Supplemental Question Assessment will be the only scored examination and is weighed 100% for placement on an eligibility list. Candidates must receive at least 70% (or higher) on their Scored Supplemental Question Assessment in order to be considered for either position. Additional information will not be accepted after the closing date.

Selection Process

The selection process will entail Subject Matter Experts reading and scoring your responses to supplemental questions 11-15 and your answers will be the sole determining factor for placement on the eligibility list for this classification.
Subject Matter Experts will NOT have access to any information besides the answers to questions 11-15. This means that they will not have access to applications, resumes or any other identifying information when scoring. Candidates who have been placed on the eligibility list will be invited to participate in a selection interview.
The selection process will begin with an employment application package screening, with the best-qualified candidates being invited to participate further in the assessment process. This process may include any combination of written, performance, and oral assessments to evaluate job-related education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. It is the responsibility of the candidate requiring accommodation to contact the Human Resources Department (preferably in writing) at the time of application.
IMPORTANT: Appointment is subject to the successful and timely completion of a post-offer pre-employment background investigation, polygraph examination, medical/physical examination, drug and alcohol test. Please see thejob description to view the physical requirements of the job. As part of the background investigation, all claims of education and experience made in the employment application process, as well as other information submitted, will be verified.
NOTE: The City reserves the right to modify selection devices and test instruments in accordance with accepted legal, ethical, and professional standards. The selection process should be completed within four (4) months of the closing date. Candidates may reapply when there is a vacancy and a posting to establish an eligibility list. Some candidates may be disqualified indefinitely due to the results of their background investigation.